Keep in mind there are two different things people refer to as"foam". There is the light foam that you can skim off if you like. It can be a bit of a nuisance if it builds up on the side of the pan. And then there is the massive amount of tiny bubbles that form sometimes as you approach syrup density. This is the"foam" that is much more problematic, as it can cause all your syrup to explode out of the pan and all over. If this happens there is nothing soaking up all the heat on your pan and it will burn and warp. That is what you are trying to prevent with the defoamer.
GO
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets